The Changes in an elderly is quite evident. Physical changes do appear.

The physical changes in the integumentary system or the skin is one of the most significant changes that are very much evident for the aged since the skin is a visible structure of the human body. The integumentary system is composed of the skin, hair, and nails.

There are many physiologic changes that occurs as a human being starts to age the end result is evident to elderly clients. As the changes in the physical appearance occur, there is also a decrease in the physical functioning of the elderly client. The changes is summed up in the table below.

Physiologic change

Physical Result

Decreased Vascularity of the dermis

Decreased amount of Melanin

Decreased sebaceous and sweat gland function

Decreased subcutaneous fat

Decreased thickness of the Epidermis

Localized pigmentation (liver spots)

Increased capillary Fragility(because there in aging skin becomes more thinner and fragile

Decreased density of hair growth

Decreased rate of nail growth

Decreased peripheral circulation.

Increased androgen/estrogen

Diminished eye sight

Lessened Hearing

Increased pallor in white skin

Decreased hair color (graying of hair)

Increased dry skin and decreased perspiration.

Increased wrinkling

Increased susceptibility to trauma

Increased incidence of brown patches (senile lentigo or liver spots on areas often exposed to UV radiation from the sun)